San Francisco Giants lose to Padres but agree to five-year deal with Hunter Pence

SAN FRANCISCO -- Traded twice in the past three seasons, Hunter Pence has been looking for a clubhouse to permanently call home. On Saturday, he finally found it.

The Giants and their energetic right fielder agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal, pending a physical that is a mere formality for a player who Saturday started his 170th consecutive game, a 9-3 loss to the San Diego Padres. Pence hit a two-run homer.

"I couldn't be happier. I couldn't be happier for Hunter," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I hope (our fans) would be as excited as we are. You can't help but love Hunter Pence and the way he plays the game. It's all about getting back on track. You need great players, and he's a great player."

San Francisco Giants Hunter Pence (8) hits a two-run home run against the San Diego Padres during the third inning of a baseball game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2103, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
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Tony Avelar
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The Giants have now crossed the biggest item off their offseason to-do list, but they don't appear anywhere close to being done. General manager Brian Sabean flew to the Dominican Republic and will attend a showcase for Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu, a power hitter who became a free agent Saturday. The Giants also have reached out to pending free agent Tim Lincecum, who like Pence is represented by the Beverly Hills Sports Council.

After Saturday's loss to the Padres, Lincecum said the Giants' long-term commitment to Pence will not sway his decision one way or the other.

"Most decisions people make at this point are personal decisions," Lincecum said. "I've still got to think about it. It's not a pressing thing for me. I'll make that decision when the time comes."

Industry sources believe Lincecum will test free agency, but Pence took advantage of a big year and will become the rare star to sign just before his deal ended. The 30-year-old is hitting .282 in his first full season with the Giants, and a two-run homer Saturday was his 27th, the most by a Giant since Barry Bonds hit 28 in 2007. Pence has driven in 96 runs and stolen 22 bases, and he ranks ninth among National League outfielders with an .823 OPS.

The Giants appreciate Pence for far more than just All-Star numbers. He's as durable as they come and Sunday will become the first Giant to start all 162 games of a season. Pence also is popular in the clubhouse and was selected by teammates as the winner of the "Willie Mac" Award, given annually to the team's most inspirational player. The deal was agreed upon on the second day of fan appreciation weekend at AT&T Park.

"That's pretty cool if you like $90 million," left-hander Madison Bumgarner quipped, smiling. "It's pretty awesome. Everybody in here thought something crazy would have to happen to not bring him back. The guy plays every day, and he's one of the best outfielders in baseball. I hope he's here the rest of his career."

That was in doubt over the past couple of weeks as Pence and the Giants began negotiations. According to sources, Pence was seeking a deal that fell between the five-year, $85 million deal Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier received last year and the seven-year, $126 million deal the Washington Nationals gave Jayson Werth in 2010.

The Giants preferred a four-year deal closer to $60 million, but the pace picked up as the season finale approached. After Friday night's game, Pence and team president Larry Baer spoke in the clubhouse for about 15 minutes. Afterward, Pence said he thought the Giants were either really close to a deal or really far apart. As it turns out, they finally had one.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Yusmeiro Petit (52) throws against the San Diego Padres during the first inning of a baseball game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2103, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
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Tony Avelar
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The Giants will hold an 11 a.m. news conference for Pence on Sunday. With the deal not finalized, he was unavailable for comment Saturday, but the magnitude of the day didn't seem to change Pence's joyous attitude. He rode his scooter to the ballpark and parked in a back corner of the clubhouse. He hugged several teammates.

But he was coy when congratulated by a reporter. "I don't know what you're talking about, but thank you," Pence said, smiling.

Throughout the 2012 postseason, Pence gave inspirational pregame speeches, imploring teammates to give each other one more day together. This season, he has repeatedly said that he wanted much more than that.

"I know on my side, I love it here," Pence said recently, reaffirming his desire to sign a long-term deal. "I love playing for Bochy. I love this city."

As the Pence deal was being announced Saturday morning, right-hander Matt Cain talked about the passion Pence brings to the field every day.

"That's a guy you want on your side," Cain said.

Across the clubhouse, center fielder Angel Pagan was thrilled that the Giants have guaranteed that Pence and Pagan will roam the outfield together for at least three more years, through the end of a four-year deal Pagan signed last offseason.

"It's awesome. He's a very positive man," Pagan said. "The game can be 20-0 in the ninth, and he still thinks he can win. He injects that type of energy into the club, and that's a big key for us to be successful. The Giants take a lot of pride in winning, and that's what we're here for. We're here to win championships and be successful. It's great to keep the team intact."